STATE TRACK AND FIELD MEET Wilson's relay unit enjoys road to 11th

The Redmen's Lloyd Hewlett was fifth in the 100. By BRIAN RICHESSON VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF DAYTON -- Kenny Jacobs was amazed by his state track and field experience. "It's awesome," said Jacobs, a Woodrow Wilson High senior. "The stands are packed. I didn't think this many people got up this early." Jacobs was part of Wilson's 4x100 relay that finished 11th in 44.37 seconds. Although the Redmen didn't qualify for today's finals, they enjoyed the road to the state's ultimate meet. "When the districts were starting, we said this is our second season," Wilson coach Dan DeJockomo said. "These guys just performed better and better each week. They were surprising me, and they were probably surprising themselves." The only individual Wilson had in Division II events Friday was senior Lloyd Hewlett, who placed fifth in the 100 (11.74) and eighth in the 200 (23.37). The top four athletes in each heat qualified for today's finals. Hewlett lauded: "I've never questioned Lloyd's effort," said DeJockomo, whose team competed in Div. I last year. "He's such a class kid; he's such a hard worker; he's such a great leader on this team. "I'm just thankful I had an opportunity to work with him, and I'm glad he got the opportunity to be here." Hewlett completed a four-year run in Wilson's track and field program. He just wishes he could have ended in a better way. "I don't know what it is," Hewlett said of his performances. "It's just like I'm going in slow motion." Southeast senior Mike Midcap and Lakeview senior Ty Burin battled in the boys high jump finals, with Midcap taking second with a leap of 6-feet-5 and Burin third (6-4). Painesville Harvey junior Johnny Rivers was first (6-5) after recording fewer misses. "[Southeast coaches] told me I had good form and was a natural high jumper," said Midcap, who returned to the team after a two-year hiatus. "I just wish I could come back because I think I can beat [Rivers]." Girard team 14th: Girard's 4x800 boys relay of seniors Matt Penza, Matt Shelby, Blake Drennen and Mike Yankey also competed in the finals, placing 14th (8:24.38). "It's hard to play catch-up in a field like this," Penza said of a group of runners who went out fast. Other Div. II athletes earned the right to compete today by placing among the top four in their respective heat. Liberty sophomore Jessica White returned to the state meet and qualified in the 100 (fourth, 13.66), 200 (fourth, 26.97) and 400 (third, 60.61). "At the 200 [mark] I made a move," White said of the 400 race. "That's where I pick it up anyway. I just wanted to qualify, because tomorrow's the big day." Casi wins heats: White will be joined by East Palestine junior Alex Casi, who won her 100 (13.20) and 200 (26.63) heats. Salem freshman Lizzie Jesko will take part in today's 100 (fourth, 13.49). Poland senior Georgiann Pavlich recovered from a rough 100 hurdles race to qualify in the 300 hurdles (fourth, 47.02). "Thank God, because I messed up bad [in the 100]," Pavlich said. "The wind was horrible. I three-step, and the wind pushed me back and threw my steps off. I was just fired up from the 100." richesson@vindy.com